When administering inhaled medications with a spacer, what steps are essential?

• A. Shake, prime if needed, attach spacer, have resident inhale slowly, hold breath, and rinse mouth after certain inhaled meds; verify dose.
• B. Attach spacer, then have resident inhale quickly.
• C. Do not shake the inhaler if space is used.
• D. Use spacer without any instructions.

Answer: (A)

Using an inhaled medication with a spacer relies on delivering the dose effectively through coordinated steps. Shake the inhaler to mix the medication, prime it if the device requires it, then attach the spacer. Have the resident exhale fully, place the lips around the spacer, and press the inhaler to deliver one puff while inhaling slowly. Continue the slow inhalation to bring the medication into the lungs, then hold the breath for about 5 to 10 seconds before exhaling. If the medication is a corticosteroid, rinse the mouth after use to prevent oral thrush. Finally, verify the dose to ensure the resident received the correct amount (and check the spacer and inhaler for remaining doses if applicable).